<div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br clear="all"></div><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span></span></font></div><div style="box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Lato,sans-serif;font-size:18px"><div id="m_-2712988702634149238gmail-block-nfb-pagetitle" style="box-sizing:border-box"><h1 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-size:52px;font-weight:500;color:inherit"><span style="box-sizing:border-box">National Convention</span></h1></div></div><div style="box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Lato,sans-serif;font-size:18px"><div id="m_-2712988702634149238gmail-block-nfb-mainpagecontent" style="box-sizing:border-box"><div style="box-sizing:border-box"><div style="box-sizing:border-box"><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">The National Federation of the Blind National Convention is the largest gathering of blind people in the world. It is the premier event for training, support, and information for the blind community. It also serves as a governing body, democratically electing our <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/leadership" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">leadership </a>and establishing each year's organizational priorities. </p><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Although the convention is open to all, our <a href="https://nfb.org/about-us/history-and-governance/constitution" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">constitution</a> states that only members of the NFB have the right to participate in decision making when it comes to organizational policy. If you are not already a member, <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/join-us" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">join the NFB today</a>.</p><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"></ul><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">Date and Location</h2><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">July 6 through July 10, 2021<br style="box-sizing:border-box"><em style="box-sizing:border-box">Anywhere and Everywhere</em>, virtual</p><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Please note: the original 2021 national convention announcement in July 2020 indicated that the event would be held in New Orleans, LA. On February 8, 2021, President Riccobono announced that the 2021 national convention would be held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. </p><h3 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:green;font-size:34px">Maryland Hosting Announcement & Activities</h3><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">The National Federation of the Blind of Maryland is our hosting affiliate for the 2021 national convention. Below are fun posts and activities to join.</p><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box">April 1: <a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-04/md_affiliate_video_april_2021_release_audio.mp3" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Maryland Convention Hosting Announcement & Contest</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">May 1: <a href="https://youtu.be/9_g4ZL1Hx_w?t=2077" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Presidential release updates and additional contest</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">June 1: <a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/june_release_maryland_contest.mp3" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Latest Maryland updates and name that tune</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">NFB 2021 National Convention  LOL Comedy Night - <em style="box-sizing:border-box"><strong style="box-sizing:border-box">coming soon!</strong></em></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Get to know Maryland<ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/language-bauldamore-aka-baltimore-0" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">The Language of Bauldamore (aka Baltimore)</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/marylands-got-game" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Maryland's Got Game</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-06/sharon_stoop_story.mp3" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">A Baltimore Stoop Story from the NFB of Maryland</a></li></ul></li></ul><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">Schedule</h2><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Below is the overview of the 2021 schedule. The full agenda in several formats is posted after the schedule.</p><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Tuesday, July 6:  Seminars & Specialized Meetings</li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Wednesday, July 7:  Board Meeting & Resolutions</li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Thursday, July 8:  Division Meetings & Opening Ceremony</li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Friday, July 9:  Presidential Report & General Session</li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Saturday, July 10:  Business Session & Banquet</li></ul><h3 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:green;font-size:34px">Rookie Roundup & Convention Concierge Service</h3><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Is this your first convention or do you need a review of what to expect? Mark your calendar for Rookie Roundup scheduled for Tuesday, June 29 at 8:30 p.m. eastern. Rookie Roundup is an annual event for attendees to learn more about what to expect at national convention. The Rookie Roundup event details will be provided in the agenda.</p><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Access the Convention Concierge Service, hosted by the Kenneth Jernigan Committee: Let’s connect you with someone who can help break the ice, tap into our network, and answer your questions about all things national convention. Email <a href="mailto:rookie@nfb.org" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">rookie@nfb.org</a> or drop us a voicemail at <a href="tel:410-659-9314" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">410-659-9314</a>, extension 2020, by June 15 to let us know that you are interested. Please include your name, preferred telephone number, what state you are joining us from, and a few things that you want us to know when matching you with mentors (e.g., life goals, if you are a guide dog user, perhaps a parent of a blind child, if you are a student, what are your hobbies, the types of individuals you would like to meet, etc.).</p><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">We want your first convention to be a space where we grow stronger together with love, hope, and determination.</p><h3 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:green;font-size:34px">Presidential Suite</h3><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">The Presidential Suite is a place to talk with other convention attendees about a variety of topics. It is a place you can go in order to get questions answered. President Riccobono will drop in when available and also hold private meetings with as many people who request appointments as possible. This year the Presidential Suite will be open at the following times:</p><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Tuesday, July 6, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET </li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Wednesday, July 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. ET</li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Thursday, July 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. ET</li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Friday, July 9, from 8:00 to 9:45 a.m. ET</li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Saturday, July 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ET</li></ul><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px"><a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2104/bm210402.htm" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Learn more about the Presidential Suite from first lady, Melissa Riccobono, in her recent Braille Monitor article</a>.</p><h3 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:green;font-size:34px">One Voice: #StrongerTogether #NFB21 Concert</h3><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Mark Your Calendar: The National Federation of the Blind and our Performing Arts Division are hosting a fundraiser concert on July 6, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Ticket sales opening soon. Stay tuned for more details.</p><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">Agenda </h2><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">The agenda of the 2021 National Convention will be available in several formats.</p><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box">2021 National Convention Agenda<ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/2021-national-convention-agenda" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda: Welcome</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/tuesday" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda: Tuesday </a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/wednesday" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda: Wednesday </a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/thursday" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda: Thursday </a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/friday" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda: Friday</a> </li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/saturday" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda: Saturday</a> </li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/convention-notes" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda: Convention Notes </a></li></ul></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-06/2021_convention_agenda_for_ePub_w_color_logo_2.epub" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda (EPUB) </a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-06/2021%20convention%20agenda_0.docx" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda (Word)</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">2021 National Convention Agenda (Spanish) (Word) – <em style="box-sizing:border-box"><strong style="box-sizing:border-box">coming soon!</strong></em></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/2021-06/2021%20convention%20agenda.brf" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Agenda (BRF)</a></li></ul><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">Policies to Be Considered</h2><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">As the supreme authority of the organization, the convention assembled elects leaders and sets policies and priorities. Delegations normally need to be in-person to vote but the board has proposed rules of engagement for the virtual environment. Similar rules were adopted in 2020.</p><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Review the proposed <a href="https://nfb.org/images/nfb/publications/bm/bm21/bm2106/bm210603.htm" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">rules of engagement for the 2021 NFB Virtual Convention</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Review a board resolution being recommended to the convention to <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/2021-june-board-resolution-establish-fund-support-surviviors-under" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">establish a fund to support survivors under our code of conduct</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box">Review proposed resolutions—which will be posted under <a href="http://nfb.org/resolutions" target="_blank">nfb.org/resolutions</a> as soon as the committee has processed them.</li></ul><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">Registration</h2><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Registration is now open and free! Get access to the latest information as it is made available and more. While there is no registration fee to attend the National Federation of the Blind 2021 National Convention, please consider a donation if you are in a position to do so. There is a donation;option available during the registration process. Your support is greatly appreciated.</p><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px"><a href="https://www.nfb.org/civicrm/event/register?reset=1&id=432" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Register for the NFB 2021 National Convention now!</a></p><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px"><a href="https://nfb.org/sites/nfb.org/files/files-pdf/2021-national-convention-registration-form-fillable-web.pdf" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 National Convention Registration Form (Fillable PDF)</a></p><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">Host a Banquet Party</h2><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">The 2021 National Convention banquet is on the evening of Saturday, July 10. Following local guidance, host a banquet party with members near you! During the event, we will drop into banquet parties across the country for a chance to say hello to the whole convention.</p><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Please complete the banquet party form by June 30, so we can connect with you.</p><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/banquet-party-form" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Banquet Party Form</a></p><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">Sponsors & Exhibitors</h2><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/sponsorship-and-exhibiting-opportunities" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2021 Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities</a></li></ul><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">More Information</h2><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Stay tuned for more details regarding the 2021 National Convention. If you have questions, please contact us at <a href="tel:410-659-9314" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">410-659-9314</a> or <a href="mailto:nfb@nfb.org" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">nfb@nfb.org</a>. </p><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/first-timers-guide" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">First Timer's Guide</a></li></ul><h2 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:inherit;font-size:36px">Past Conventions</h2><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">Access highlights from 2017 to 2020 <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/past-conventions" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">past conventions</a>. </p><h3 style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:30px 0px 10px;line-height:1.1;font-weight:500;color:green;font-size:34px">2020 National Convention</h3><p style="box-sizing:border-box;margin:0px 0px 20px;line-height:1.8;padding:0px">The 2020 National Convention was our biggest convention yet! Access the <a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/past-conventions/2020-national-convention" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2020 National Convention highlights</a> including the presidential report, the general session presentations, and the banquet speech now. Audio, video, and transcripts are available.</p><ul style="box-sizing:border-box;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:20px"><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/past-conventions/2020-national-convention" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2020 National Convention Highlights</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/sponsors" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2020 Sponsors</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/national-convention-choir" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2020 National Convention Choir</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/honor-roll-call" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2020 Honor Roll Call</a></li><li style="box-sizing:border-box"><a href="https://nfb.org/get-involved/national-convention/door-prize-donors" style="box-sizing:border-box;background-color:transparent;color:rgb(0,90,163);text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">2020 Door Prize Donors</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span class="gmail_default" style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:small"></span><br></span></font><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span></span></span></font></div><div></div></div><div dir="auto"></div><font color="#888888"></font></div></div></div></div></div>
</div>-- <br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br></span></font><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span>​</span>Warmly, <br>Linda Melendez, President<br>National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey<br>732-421-7063<br></span><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)">Email: </span><a href="mailto:president@nfbnj.org" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank">president@nfbnj.org</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"></span><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br><i>Website: </i></span><a href="http://www.nfbnj.org/" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><i><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">www.nfbnj.org</span></i></a><i style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br>Facebook: </i><a href="https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><i><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">https://m.facebook.com/NFB-NJ-353099574776238</span></i></a><i style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br>Twitter: </i><a href="https://twitter.com/nfbnewjersey" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><i><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">@NFBNewJersey</span></i></a><i style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br>YouTube: </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKEDbjGsCYHMlwd4gqpBPjg" style="color:rgb(17,85,204)" target="_blank"><i><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">NFBNJTransformDreams</span></i></a><i style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><br>Live the life you want.<br></i><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><i><font size="1">The National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey is a community of members and friends who believe in the hopes and dreams of the nation’s blind. Everyday we work together to help blind people live the lives they want.</font></i></span></font><br></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34)"><i><font size="1"><br></font></i></span></font></div><div></div></div><div dir="auto"></div><font color="#888888"></font></div></div>